'... an epic story, beautifully written with clear, spare prose and the ability to go right to the heart of young males in modern society.'

A survival camp organised by the school. What could be more straightforward?

Sam is reminded of camping with his grandfather - but his grandfather is dead now and Sam doesn't want to think about that. Far better to think about his relationship with his girlfriend and where that might lead. Meanwhile, there's the whingers and the hard men to deal with. And on a camp like this, Sam could well find out things about himself and other people he'd really rather not know.

There are no compromises as Susanne Gervay explores today's youth culture: Rave parties, extreme challenges, sport, sexuality. There is humour, aggression, bravado, love and loss as a group of young males confront one another and themselves on an eight-day survival camp that will expose the underbelly of male culture with all its potential for violence and courage.

'The Cave is an epic story, beautifully written with clear, spare prose and the ability to go right to the heart of young males in modern society.'

CAROLE KAYROOZ, PhD, MAPS,

Director, Postgraduate Studies,

Communication and Education,

University of Canberra